Category: Atkinson, William Walker

MEMORY

How to Develop, Train and Use It

by

William Walker Atkinson

Chapter I

Memory: Its Importance

It needs very little argument to convince the average thinking person of the great importance of memory, although even then very few begin to realize just how important is the function of the mind that has to do with the retention of mental impressions. The first thought of the average person when he is asked to consider the importance of memory, is its use in the affairs of every-day life, along developed and cultivated lines, as contrasted with the lesser degrees of its development. In short, one generally thinks of memory in its phase of “a good memory” as contrasted with the opposite phase of “a poor memory.” But there is a much broader and fuller meaning of the term than that of even this important phase. Continue reading “Memory: How to Develop, Train and Use It”

YOUR MIND AND HOW TO USE IT

A Manual of Practical Psychology

by

William Walker Atkinson

It is not enough merely to have a sound mind–onemust also learn how to use it, if he wouldbecome mentally efficient.

Chapter I

What is the Mind?

Psychology is generally considered to be the science of mind, although more properly it is the science of mental states–thoughts, feelings, and acts of volition. It was formerly the custom of writers on the subject of psychology to begin by an attempt to define and describe the nature of mind, before proceeding to a consideration of the subject of the various mental spates and activities. But more recent authorities have rebelled against this demand, and have claimed that it is no more reasonable to hold that psychology should be held to an explanation of the ultimate nature of mind than it is that physical science be held to an explanation of the ultimate nature of matter. The attempt to explain the ultimate nature of either is futile–no actual necessity exists for explanation in either case. Physics may explain the phenomena of matter, and psychology the phenomena of mind, without regard to the ultimate nature of the substance of either. Continue reading “Your Mind and How to Use It”